View clinical trials related to Cannabis Dependence.
Filter by:Cannabis is the most used illicit substance in the United States. Previous studies suggest that atypical antipsychotics decrease the frequency and the amount of substance use in subjects with and without psychotic illness. So far, there are no controlled studies assessing the effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics for decreasing cannabis and other substance use in individuals with cannabis use disorders. The investigators postulate that the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine ER is an effective agent for improving substance use outcomes in subjects with cannabis use disorders. In this pilot study, the investigators will test this hypothesis in heavy cannabis users (i.e., individuals who are cannabis dependent and smoke three times or more per week). Because 50% of these heavy cannabis users report histories of psychotic experiences (i.e., attenuated positive symptoms) while smoking and are at risk for recurring psychotic symptoms, the investigators will focus this pilot clinical trial on this subgroup of cannabis users in order to increase the risk/benefit ratio of this study and target a population that may also benefit from the antipsychotic effect of quetiapine ER. Considering the lack of controlled studies assessing the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in heavy cannabis users, assessing the effectiveness of an atypical antipsychotic medication on substance use and clinical outcomes in this population is critical for improving the prognosis of these individuals. Thus, the aims of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study are to assess the efficacy of an atypical antipsychotic (quetiapine ER) in 120 subjects with cannabis dependence, a recent history (within a year) of attenuated psychotic symptoms, and using cannabis 3 times or more per week for: (1) decreasing the use of cannabis and other substances; and (2) preventing the recurrence of psychotic experiences. The investigators will also assess the effects of quetiapine ER on craving and mood, and its tolerability. This project will be a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with quetiapine ER and it will include a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, substance use, and side effects. This study will benefit the field by providing unique data on the relative efficacy and tolerability of treatment with atypical antipsychotics in heavy cannabis users with a vulnerability to psychosis. This study will be the basis for future studies assessing the long-term efficacy and tolerability of atypical antipsychotics in individuals with cannabis use disorders.
Cannabis use is a significant public health concern that disproportionately affect youth. Although promising psychosocial interventions are being developed, most youth do not benefit from these interventions alone. Given the clinical demand for effective treatments, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) identified the critical need for data on the tolerability and potential efficacy of medications in adolescents. The purpose of this two-year study is to test if and how topiramate, a medication under intense study for treating several drugs of abuse, reduces cannabis use among teenagers. To this end, the investigators will randomize 56 nontreatment-seeking regular cannabis users (15 or 20 years old) to receive topiramate or placebo for 6 weeks. Youth will monitor their cannabis use for the 6-week period using handheld electronic diaries and complete assessments of reactivity to cannabis-related cues.
Background: - Several studies of risk perception have demonstrated a common bias known as unrealistic optimism, in which individuals feel they are less likely than other people to experience unpleasant or harmful events in their lives, but more likely to experience pleasant or beneficial events. - Previous research has indicated that individuals with schizophrenia have less of a sense of unrealistic optimism about adverse events than individuals without schizophrenia. However, research on risk perception in schizophrenia is sparse, primarily reporting on behaviors and decisions in the laboratory that likely are influenced by risk perception. - Risk perception among substance users may be viewed in two separate categories: perception of vulnerability to adverse events and perception of vulnerability to negative outcomes associated with substance use. Research in both areas has yielded mixed results. Researchers are interested in studying the connections among schizophrenia, addiction, and risk perception in order to develop better drug use prevention and treatment programs for people with and without schizophrenia. Objectives: - To compare unrealistic optimism bias in people with and without schizophrenia and/or drug dependence, and its association with actual risky behavior. Eligibility: - Individuals between 18 and 64 years of age who fall into one of the following study categories: - diagnoses of both drug dependence (marijuana or cocaine) and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder - diagnosis of drug dependence only (marijuana or cocaine) - diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder only - healthy volunteers with no history of drug use or serious mental disorder Design: - The study will require a single visit to the research center for a 5- to 6-hour session. - Participants will complete questionnaires on medical and behavioral history, complete tests of thinking skills like memory and attention, complete a brief computerized decision-making task, and answer questions about risk perception. - Participants will also provide urine samples and breath carbon monoxide measurements to test for recent use of tobacco and other substances.
The purpose of this study is to see if Lofexidine in combination with Marinol is superior to placebo in achieving abstinence, reducing cannabis use and reducing withdrawal in cannabis-dependent patients seeking treatment for their marijuana use.
This study is investigating how N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an over-the-counter medication, will reduce marijuana use when combined with Contingency Management, a behavioral treatment. It is hypothesized that marijuana dependent adolescents who are treated with NAC will use less marijuana during treatment when compared to adolescents who receive a placebo.
This is a clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of the medication gabapentin in treating persons with cannabis dependence.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. However, the treatment options for cannabis dependence are limited; notably, no effective pharmacotherapy has been developed. Conceptually, the ideal medication treatment for cannabis dependence would: 1. be safe when administered to patients actively using cannabis 2. reduce cannabis intake and promote abstinence 3. treat the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal 4. reduce craving and relapse risk 5. have a low abuse liability.
In this study the investigators will explore the relationship between physical activity and cannabis use. The investigators will compare regional brain activation detected by imaging technique(fRMI) before and after exercise in cannabis users and compare results with results from controls. The investigators hypothesize that the regional brain activation in response to visual cues (pictures related to cannabis use and food) will be different in cannabis users than in controls and that exercise will significantly alter brain responses to the cues.
The purpose of this study is to find out more about cognitive functioning in people who are cannabis dependent, relative to people who do not use cannabis, and how their brains process information after one month of not using cannabis. An additional goal is to characterize the severity of cannabis dependence using precipitated and naturalistic withdrawal with a double blind, placebo controlled, single administration of rimonabant. Research assessments occur bi-weekly throughout this 28 day study.
The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a trial of N-Acetylcysteine in cannabis dependent adolescents.